Science Olympiad Foundation honors international olympiad winners 2023-24
“AI should only be used as a tool not as a master”, said Dipak Misra, Former Chief Justice of India
New Delhi: The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) conducted a felicitation ceremony to honor the achievements of SOF olympiad winners 2023-24 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre. Former Chief Justice of India, Justice Dipak Mishra, and renowned author and Columnist, Chetan Bhagat graced the auspicious occasion.
At the ceremony, former chief Justice of India, Justice Dipak Misra addressed the gathering of over 700 attendees, he said, “Competition or the effort to compete doesn’t end here, that is the beauty of competition in Life. When you talk about competition, success follows it because everyone competes to succeed. Success is the real achievement.
He further highlighted that one may not be able to master the ‘time’ but they should be determined to manage time. Time management is a major step toward success. On the path of success one may, sometimes, face certain difficulties and at that time, do not react in a manner that will show weakness of mind. The young students should always keep in mind where they have studied and never forget their Alma Mater. He underscored that the unique experience and intellect of a human mind can never be replicated by artificial intelligence
During the event, 66 international rank-1 winners received a cash prize, a gold medal, and a merit certificate. The 66 rank-2 winners were given a silver medal and a merit certificate along with a cash prize, while the 66 rank-3 winners received a bronze medal, a merit certificate, and a cash prize. Additionally, the top 26 principals and top 60 teachers from 70 participating countries, whose students performed exceptionally well, were honored with monetary awards, mementos, and citations.
Three students from Delhi also earned top ranks in the SOF Olympiad exam 2023-24. Prisha Miglani, ninth grade student from Bal Bharati Public School, and Garvit Bhutani, of class twelfth from Faith Academy, both secured rank-1 in the International Mathematics Olympiad, receiving gold medals and certificates. Pranav Goyal, class fourth student from Venkateshwar Global School, achieved rank-2 in the International Commerce Olympiad, earning a silver medal and a certificate.
Around 2,03,888 students from Delhi participated this year in SOF Olympiad exam 2023-24. Schools including Hansraj Model School, Lancer’s Convent Sr. Sec. School, Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj were among the participants.
Moreover, SOF announced the launch of International Hindi Olympiad to encourage the Hindi language among the younger generation, nurturing a deeper appreciation and proficiency in their mother tongue. This new Olympiad aims to promote linguistic and cultural pride among students globally.
While interacting with students, Chetan Bhagat, Indian Author and Columnist, said, “When you get recognition and awards for something, you feel, I should do it more. This is the recognition of your potential. Potential doesn’t mean that the result is guaranteed. You have to do the work and then you turn that potential into something beautiful.”
Speaking on the rise of AI he further added that while AI can make things easy but it can never truly replace humans. AI cannot create art, it lacks human touch.
Mahabir Singh, Founder Director of SOF, proudly announced the completion of 26 years of organizing Olympiad exams. He said, “In the 2023-24 academic year, over 91,000 schools from 70 countries participated, with millions of students involved. More than 1,30,000 students from 7000 schools received awards for top state-level ranks, and over 1,000,000 students were honored with “Gold Medals of Excellence” for excelling in their schools. Additionally, 3,500 principals and teachers were recognized for their dedication to enhancing students’ academic knowledge.”
Various initiatives were announced during the ceremony, including scholarships for meritorious girl children from economically weaker sections and students from Defense Services Families who excel in academics. Additionally, training programs, camps, and exhibitions were organized by SOF to further enhance students’ academic knowledge.
The award felicitation ceremony was also graced by Guest of honour Prof. Y. S. Rajan, Former Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Prof ISRO, Visionary Scientist, Author, Technologist, CS Ashish Mohan, Secretory, Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and Mr. R. Ravi, CEO, Founder Epiance Software Pvt. Ltd. B’luru.